The holidays are quickly approaching. Soon enough, everyone will be caught up in the frenzy of finding the perfect Christmas presents and hitting up the biggest holiday and year-end sales. Others are hard-pressed to decide what to wear to their office Christmas party, while families prepare for the perfect Christmas eve dinner.
Sure, there are many reasons to celebrate during the holiday season, but wouldn’t it be nice to give back this year, and not just receiving?
If you want to make the holidays more meaningful this year, here are the following ways to give back during the holidays:
1. Host a holiday food drive
Get your family, friends and neighbors together and set up a Christmas food drive. It’s recommended that you contact your local food back before you get everything started. In the weeks leading to the food drive, encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to help make a difference in your community.
2. Start a “family holiday donation jar”
If you and your family want to donate money to charity or other organization you hold dear, you can contribute to your “family holiday donation” jar. You can contribute a part of your job’s earnings, while your children can contribute part of their school allowance to add to the jar. They could also earn money by doing chores around the house. Once the jar fills up, the family would then gather together to decide how the money should be donated.
3. Donate anything else other than food
Most donations that homeless shelters and soup kitchens are food-related, but there’s a lot more that they need. They are also in need of other essential non-food items – think of toiletries, soaps, shampoos, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Check to find out what the homeless shelters or soup kitchens near you could really use.
4. Be a good neighbor
There are many ways to spread love and cheer this holiday season. So, how about checking on your neighbors and giving them a helping hand? Shoveling snow from the walkway, signing a package, or helping them with putting up holiday lights and decorations could be a huge help. If you have an elderly or physically-limited neighbor, help them with the house chores for a few days. Your family could also get together and bake holiday cookies or treats for the neighbors.
5. Participate in a fundraising event
Many events during and around the holidays help raise funds for charity organizations or purposes. These fundraising events include walks, fun runs, and races. Get your family, friends, relatives, or neighbors to back your efforts with their own monetary donations. It can give your participation an even more significant impact. Several family members participating in events you’ve joined can make it more fun and rewarding.
6. Give life
Participate in a blood drive. Donating blood costs you nothing, typically takes you less than an hour, and could mean the difference between life and death for someone who needs it the most.
7. Make a difference to end hunger
There are lots of ways that you can help others facing hunger form the comfort of your PC, laptop, or smartphone. Start an online fundraiser or donate to Feeding America using your Amazon or eBay account. Your actions can inspire your family and friends to join you in the fight to end hunger.
8. Impart your knowledge and skills for free
Many schools and local public libraries offer services like job training and resume review. Are you a good in typing or a computer whiz? Or are you excellent in copywriting? A few hours of your time imparting your skills and knowledge will make a significant difference to your community.